History in
a Pecan Shell

In December 1890,
a group of Cuero
businessmen bought 1,000 acres alongside the San Antonio and Aransas
Pass Railroad to be the next county seat. Originally named Karnes,
after Texas patriot Henry Wax Karnes, "City" was added by postal authorities
when the post office opened in 1891. In 1892 an auction was held and
the railroad built a spur to facilitate the unloading of lumber for
new homes and businesses.

An election was held in December 21, 1893 to determine whether Runge,
Kenedy, Helena
or Karnes City would be the seat of government. In January 1894 records
were moved from Helena
to Karnes City. A new Courthouse
and jail were built and on May 25, 1894, a prisoner was hanged on
the new courthouse lawn, five months before the courthouse was dedicated.

The first newspaper began publishing in 1891 and the first school
in Karnes City opened in October of that year. The building was used
for classes, public dances and church services on Sunday. The Karnes
City Independent School District was organized on May 24, 1894. In
1925 a new high school was built and a library was built in 1972.